Individuals with PCOS are at 3-5x the risk of developing endometrial cancer relative to individuals without PCOS.[1],[2],[3]  In this article we explore the link between PCOS and endometrial cancer.

PCOS is associated with elevated levels of androgens[4], sex hormones that are produced in the ovaries, start at puberty and play a key role in reproductive health.[5]  Find out more about PCOS and Androgen Excess.

• High androgen levels can lead to anovulation, the failure to release an egg through a regular menstrual cycle;[6]

• Without ovulation, the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, does not shed in a regular monthly cycle;[7]

• The endometrium that remains for an extended period without shedding is exposed to estrogen, a sex hormone essential to maintain sexual and reproductive health;[8]

• In an estrogen-rich environment, the endometrial cells continue to grow and thicken the lining of the uterus, a process known as hyperplasia;[9] and

• The endometrial cells crowd and develop abnormalities and can become cancerous.[10]

There are a variety of other risk factors for endometrial cancer, including:[11]

• Increasing age;

• Obesity;

• Early menstruation or late menopause;

• Genetics, including Lynch syndrome, a colorectal cancer disease; and

• Medications, including hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Reviewed by Dr. O, one of Neuraura’s friends and trusted advisors.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10028221/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22367984/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181615/

[4] https://www.uptodate.com/contents/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-beyond-the-basics/

[5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22002-androgens

[6] https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/services/women/anovulation

[7] https://www.uptodate.com/contents/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-beyond-the-basics/

[8] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen

[9] https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometrial-hyperplasia

[10] https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometrial-hyperplasia

[11] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometrial-cancer